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Catering Hall Mystery #5
The Witless Protection Program
Mia Carina has steered her Italian-American family’s Astoria, Queens, catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, into becoming the borough’s premiere party site, and nothing could make her happier—except her boyfriend proposing. There’s just one presumed-dead obstacle in the way . . .
A strong, independent woman and respected entrepreneur, Mia never imagined she’d pine for a marriage proposal. Yet lately, with her beloved Shane, she’s on tenterhooks. It’s especially surprising, considering Mia’s first husband, Adam, was a philandering grifter, assumed lost-at-sea after a boating disaster. But everyone knows what happens when you assume . . .
While working a huge wedding expo in Manhattan, Mia is shocked to spot the man who nearly destroyed her life. The one who’s supposed to be sleeping with the fishes. But she loses him in the crowd. And when it happens again the next day, it’s time for an emergency meeting with the family—and the Family . Because if Adam is alive, Mia is still married . . .
Everyone wants Adam dead. Everyone except Mia. She’s dealt with enough police for a lifetime. Mia needs to be a divorcée, not a widow. But someone out there disagrees, and if Mia doesn’t discover who, she may never be free to marry Shane—or anyone else . . .
A strong, independent woman and respected entrepreneur, Mia never imagined she’d pine for a marriage proposal. Yet lately, with her beloved Shane, she’s on tenterhooks. It’s especially surprising, considering Mia’s first husband, Adam, was a philandering grifter, assumed lost-at-sea after a boating disaster. But everyone knows what happens when you assume . . .
While working a huge wedding expo in Manhattan, Mia is shocked to spot the man who nearly destroyed her life. The one who’s supposed to be sleeping with the fishes. But she loses him in the crowd. And when it happens again the next day, it’s time for an emergency meeting with the family—and the Family . Because if Adam is alive, Mia is still married . . .
Everyone wants Adam dead. Everyone except Mia. She’s dealt with enough police for a lifetime. Mia needs to be a divorcée, not a widow. But someone out there disagrees, and if Mia doesn’t discover who, she may never be free to marry Shane—or anyone else . . .
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 26, 2024
5 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Maria DiRico
5 books442 followersMaria DiRico (the pen name of award-winning author Ellen Byron) was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Queens and Westchester County. She is first-generation Italian American on her mother’s side. On her father’s side, her grandfather was a low-level Jewish mobster who disappeared in 1933 under mysterious circumstances. While growing up in Queens, Maria/Ellen's cousins ran the Astoria Manor and Grand Bay Marina catering halls.
As Ellen Byron, her Cajun Country Mysteries have won multiple Agatha award and Lefty awards. BAYOU BOOK THIEF, the first book in her Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, has been nominated for Agatha and Lefty awards as well. Ellen is an award-winning playwright, and non-award-winning TV writer of comedies like WINGS, JUST SHOOT ME, and FAIRLY ODD PARENTS. She has written over two hundred articles for national magazines but considers her most impressive credit working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.
As Ellen Byron, her Cajun Country Mysteries have won multiple Agatha award and Lefty awards. BAYOU BOOK THIEF, the first book in her Vintage Cookbook Mysteries, has been nominated for Agatha and Lefty awards as well. Ellen is an award-winning playwright, and non-award-winning TV writer of comedies like WINGS, JUST SHOOT ME, and FAIRLY ODD PARENTS. She has written over two hundred articles for national magazines but considers her most impressive credit working as a cater-waiter for Martha Stewart.
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February 26, 2024
The Witless Protection Program (A Catering Hall Mystery) by Maria DiRico
Synopsis /
Mia Carina has steered her Italian-American family’s Astoria, Queens, catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, into becoming the borough’s premiere party site, and nothing could make her happier—except her boyfriend proposing. There’s just one presumed-dead obstacle in the way . . .
A strong, independent woman and respected entrepreneur, Mia never imagined she’d pine for a marriage proposal. Yet lately, with her beloved Shane, she’s on tenterhooks. It’s especially surprising, considering Mia’s first husband, Adam, was a philandering grifter, assumed lost-at-sea after a boating disaster. But everyone knows what happens when you assume . . .
While working a huge wedding expo in Manhattan, Mia is shocked to spot the man who nearly destroyed her life. The one who’s supposed to be sleeping with the fishes. But she loses him in the crowd. And when it happens again the next day, it’s time for an emergency meeting with the family—and the Family . Because if Adam is alive, Mia is still married . . .
Everyone wants Adam dead. Everyone except Mia. She’s dealt with enough police for a lifetime. Mia needs to be a divorcée, not a widow. But someone out there disagrees, and if Mia doesn’t discover who, she may never be free to marry Shane—or anyone else . . .
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies and author, Maria DiRico for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for March 26, 2024.
Loads to tell you all about this one, and my thoughts are falling out randomly, so I'll try and make some sense of them all.
Author, Maria DiRico's bio (in part) reads, Maria DiRico (the pen name of award-winning author Ellen Byron) was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Queens and Westchester County. She is first-generation Italian American on her mother’s side. On her father’s side, her grandfather was a low-level Jewish mobster who disappeared in 1933 under mysterious circumstances. While growing up in Queens, Maria/Ellen's cousins ran the Astoria Manor and Grand Bay Marina catering halls. So I can't think of a person better placed to write a novel set in Flushing - a neighbourhood in the north-central portion of the New York City borough of Queens.
Being born in Australia, I'm not that familiar with the terms borough, or district, or Precinct, but, one word I am familiar with is Flushing - with thanks to Fran Drescher and The Nanny. She was working in a bridal shop in Flushing, Queens, Til her boyfriend kicked her out in one of those crushing scenes……. The flashy girl from Flushing, the Nanny named Fran. You can thank me later for putting that earworm into your head today!
The book title and novel cover drew me in from first glance. With Just Murdered on the wedding car and that title, The Witless Protection Program it was screaming, read me!
Things got even better when I opened the book and scanned the contents page. Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 32, Recipes, (what! DING, DING, DING!!! 🔔 🔔 🔔) Acknowledgements, Notes. Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, Ricotta Sugar Cookies, Breakfast Pasta and Italian Wedding Cake ---- oh, spare my cholesterol ridden arteries I'm in cozy mystery heaven!!!!!
It seems I've begun at what appears to be the tail end of this series. I've just discovered that there are four previous books. The definition of a good cosy for this reader is a simple plot that is just complicated enough to keep you guessing; a basic plot outline that has room for growth (and more stories); well-developed characters that offer the reader a unique perspective on an already overly full genre. And it's a ✅✅✅ from me on all points.
Since her father Ravello's recent heart scare - doctors had inserted a stent to unclog an artery blocked by a steady diet of Fettuccine Alfredo - Event Planner, Mia Carina has basically been running the catering hall called Belle View Banquet Manor. What makes this catering hall a little different from others, is that it's one of a few legit businesses owned and operated by the Boldano Crime family.
When Mia's long-time beau, Shane, proposes, Mia is jubilant and can't wait to organise the wedding. But things go awry when she spies, or thinks she spies, her dead husband, Adam, while working her stall at a wedding expo. She loses sight of him in the crowd, but when she spies him again the next day, it becomes more serious, because, if Adam is alive, she can't marry Shane. This nightmare calls for an urgent 'family' meeting. You can imagine what's going to happen when members of a 'crime' family come together; but Mia presses the importance of them finding her ex but keeping him alive. He keeps appearing and then disappearing. When, her ex is found dead in an alley in Mia's neighbourhood, and the police have implicated Shane in his murder, Mia and her family rally together to clear his name.
Can Mia and her family solve the mystery of Adam's murder? You'll have to read this one to find out!!
#TheWitlessProtectionProgram #NetGalley
Synopsis /
Mia Carina has steered her Italian-American family’s Astoria, Queens, catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, into becoming the borough’s premiere party site, and nothing could make her happier—except her boyfriend proposing. There’s just one presumed-dead obstacle in the way . . .
A strong, independent woman and respected entrepreneur, Mia never imagined she’d pine for a marriage proposal. Yet lately, with her beloved Shane, she’s on tenterhooks. It’s especially surprising, considering Mia’s first husband, Adam, was a philandering grifter, assumed lost-at-sea after a boating disaster. But everyone knows what happens when you assume . . .
While working a huge wedding expo in Manhattan, Mia is shocked to spot the man who nearly destroyed her life. The one who’s supposed to be sleeping with the fishes. But she loses him in the crowd. And when it happens again the next day, it’s time for an emergency meeting with the family—and the Family . Because if Adam is alive, Mia is still married . . .
Everyone wants Adam dead. Everyone except Mia. She’s dealt with enough police for a lifetime. Mia needs to be a divorcée, not a widow. But someone out there disagrees, and if Mia doesn’t discover who, she may never be free to marry Shane—or anyone else . . .
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies and author, Maria DiRico for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for March 26, 2024.
Loads to tell you all about this one, and my thoughts are falling out randomly, so I'll try and make some sense of them all.
Author, Maria DiRico's bio (in part) reads, Maria DiRico (the pen name of award-winning author Ellen Byron) was born in Queens, New York, and raised in Queens and Westchester County. She is first-generation Italian American on her mother’s side. On her father’s side, her grandfather was a low-level Jewish mobster who disappeared in 1933 under mysterious circumstances. While growing up in Queens, Maria/Ellen's cousins ran the Astoria Manor and Grand Bay Marina catering halls. So I can't think of a person better placed to write a novel set in Flushing - a neighbourhood in the north-central portion of the New York City borough of Queens.
Being born in Australia, I'm not that familiar with the terms borough, or district, or Precinct, but, one word I am familiar with is Flushing - with thanks to Fran Drescher and The Nanny. She was working in a bridal shop in Flushing, Queens, Til her boyfriend kicked her out in one of those crushing scenes……. The flashy girl from Flushing, the Nanny named Fran. You can thank me later for putting that earworm into your head today!
The book title and novel cover drew me in from first glance. With Just Murdered on the wedding car and that title, The Witless Protection Program it was screaming, read me!
Things got even better when I opened the book and scanned the contents page. Chapter 30, Chapter 31, Chapter 32, Recipes, (what! DING, DING, DING!!! 🔔 🔔 🔔) Acknowledgements, Notes. Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina, Ricotta Sugar Cookies, Breakfast Pasta and Italian Wedding Cake ---- oh, spare my cholesterol ridden arteries I'm in cozy mystery heaven!!!!!
It seems I've begun at what appears to be the tail end of this series. I've just discovered that there are four previous books. The definition of a good cosy for this reader is a simple plot that is just complicated enough to keep you guessing; a basic plot outline that has room for growth (and more stories); well-developed characters that offer the reader a unique perspective on an already overly full genre. And it's a ✅✅✅ from me on all points.
Since her father Ravello's recent heart scare - doctors had inserted a stent to unclog an artery blocked by a steady diet of Fettuccine Alfredo - Event Planner, Mia Carina has basically been running the catering hall called Belle View Banquet Manor. What makes this catering hall a little different from others, is that it's one of a few legit businesses owned and operated by the Boldano Crime family.
When Mia's long-time beau, Shane, proposes, Mia is jubilant and can't wait to organise the wedding. But things go awry when she spies, or thinks she spies, her dead husband, Adam, while working her stall at a wedding expo. She loses sight of him in the crowd, but when she spies him again the next day, it becomes more serious, because, if Adam is alive, she can't marry Shane. This nightmare calls for an urgent 'family' meeting. You can imagine what's going to happen when members of a 'crime' family come together; but Mia presses the importance of them finding her ex but keeping him alive. He keeps appearing and then disappearing. When, her ex is found dead in an alley in Mia's neighbourhood, and the police have implicated Shane in his murder, Mia and her family rally together to clear his name.
Can Mia and her family solve the mystery of Adam's murder? You'll have to read this one to find out!!
#TheWitlessProtectionProgram #NetGalley
February 19, 2024
How sad am I that this series has to come an end? Maria DiRico has created an extraordinary character who holds a piece of my heart. I've had the privilege of meeting this author once or twice, and her personality is beautifully imbued in a small piece of Mia from the Catering Hall Mysteries. With The Witless Protection Program as the final book in this series, I find myself raving about all that it entails. I wished for Mia to be with Jamie, then I wanted her with Shane, and now... well, I'm just so glad she is happy. Excellent mystery. Perfect conclusion. It needs to come back for another book again in a few years!
March 17, 2024
Mia Carina is our main character and she runs the Belle View Banquet Manor which specialises in hosting large parties and weddings. Mia's own wedding to Shane is supposed to be taking place there soon, but the discovery that her supposedly deceased first husband is actually still alive means she needs a divorce in a hurry.
When he turns up dead Mia, and just about everyone she knows, is a possible suspect for doing the deed. There are red herrings galore and a convoluted mystery which ends up with quite a surprise result. As the bookcover shows clearly there is a wedding which is hilarious if a little over the top.
A fun read with some lovely characters. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When he turns up dead Mia, and just about everyone she knows, is a possible suspect for doing the deed. There are red herrings galore and a convoluted mystery which ends up with quite a surprise result. As the bookcover shows clearly there is a wedding which is hilarious if a little over the top.
A fun read with some lovely characters. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 5, 2024
What a hoot this series has been, and I hate to see it end but it has been fun! We watched Mia Carina as she moved back to Astoria, Queens, NY from Miami after Adam, her cheating husband, disappeared and is presumed dead. She has gotten into all kinds of mischief as she worked to help run Belle View Catering Hall for the Baldano Family head, Danny Baldano Senior. Now, she is engaged to her hunky boyfriend Shane and planning a wedding when Adam reappears, wanting to get back together. Yikes! Will he give her a divorce? Then someone killed Adam and answered that question but who did it? Mia, Shane, and others are suspects. Wild adventures, trips across the country, fights with a strange fan group wanting memorabilia from the house her grandmother gave the happy couple, and other bizarre happenings pepper this tale, but all is finished in a spectacular ending with fun surprises and just plain craziness. Great read(s) for cozy mysteries lovers!
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
March 9, 2024
Each of DiRico's cozy series has its own special flavor, but this one may be my favorite with the robust cast of secondary characters who are fully fledged with their own eccentricities. From the Italian grandmothers to the PI-novel-writing police detective, they make me laugh while charming me. And this book did not disappoint. Mia has built up the bridal venue into a desirable locale, not just a legitimate front for the Family business. As she's hoping to be able to use the venue herself one day soon. Only two flies in the ointment, she needs a proposal and sudden reappearance of her "dead" husband. The story moves along at a full clip full of red herrings until the totally satisfying conclusion. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2023
#TheWitlessProtectionProgram #NetGalley is such an excellent addition to the series.
Mia is such a sweet character, and this book is so well done, I had a blast reading it.
Mia believes she saw her ex husband, but that's impossible, right? Unfortunately for Mia, her nightmares have come true, and she finds herself trying to find the answers so she can marry her real love, Shane.
The title of this book is perfect and I loved each and every part of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Mia is such a sweet character, and this book is so well done, I had a blast reading it.
Mia believes she saw her ex husband, but that's impossible, right? Unfortunately for Mia, her nightmares have come true, and she finds herself trying to find the answers so she can marry her real love, Shane.
The title of this book is perfect and I loved each and every part of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
January 15, 2024
Mia Carina is an event planner with a tight knit Italian family and a loyal Italian Family. While at an event, she spots her presumed dead husband, Adam. Yes, you read that right, presumed dead. He shows up and then disappears. Mia is the only one who sees him! Her friends and family think she only imagined seeing him because she wants her boyfriend Shane to ask her to marry him. She needs to find him to get a divorce and be free to marry Shane. Once she spots Adam again, her family and Family are all on board. What follows makes the title perfect! This is a lighthearted and humorous mystery with a colorful cast. One of my favorites is Mia's grandmother, Nonna Elizabetta. She's hilarious and charming. I highly recommend this book! Don't miss out on the adventure and fun! I recommend that you read the entire series for all the antics and delight. Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishers for my advanced copy. I'll be posting a review on Amazon on the publication date, and Bookbub when it's added to their site.
April 22, 2024
The Witless Protection Program is the 5th book in the Catering Hall Mystery series, and possibly the final one. Mia has been waiting for Shane to propose and he finally does but things don't work out the way she planned. It seems that Adam, her first husband, who everyone thought was dead, is alive and back. Now she can't marry Shane until her and Adam get a divorce. Meanwhile plans have gone ahead and her grandmother bought a house for her and Shane. It seems the house was owned by a famous cartoonist, and now his fans are hanging around the house trying to get in. They are sure there is memorabilia that can be sold. Adam wants Mia back and tries his best to convince her to give him another chance. Her family are not happy and think someone can probably "off him" but Mia convinces them that he needs to be kept alive, so she can divorce him. Shortly after this meeting, Adam is found dead in the alley in Mia's neighbourhood and Shane is the main suspect. Can Mia and her family and friends clear his name, so they can get married?
I enjoyed this story as many of the continuing storylines are tied up. I love Mia's character. She has worked hard to keep her family and The Belleview Banquet Hall on the straight and narrow. She and Shane have finally sorted out all their issues and this wedding needs to go forward, but there is more than one problem. There is a funny story dealing with Mia's wedding dress, concerns with her attendants and someone is stalking her and causing major issues. As all this is going on, she is trying to solve the crime of Adam's death. There is a lot of humour, some twists, well developed characters and some great conclusions to the various storylines. I am sorry to say goodbye to these characters. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a humorous cozy mystery series.
I enjoyed this story as many of the continuing storylines are tied up. I love Mia's character. She has worked hard to keep her family and The Belleview Banquet Hall on the straight and narrow. She and Shane have finally sorted out all their issues and this wedding needs to go forward, but there is more than one problem. There is a funny story dealing with Mia's wedding dress, concerns with her attendants and someone is stalking her and causing major issues. As all this is going on, she is trying to solve the crime of Adam's death. There is a lot of humour, some twists, well developed characters and some great conclusions to the various storylines. I am sorry to say goodbye to these characters. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a humorous cozy mystery series.
January 6, 2024
Event planner Mia Carina is loving life, except for one small detail. Her business, Belle View Banquet Manor, is now a successful venue for all things party, her family are well and happy although her brother still has six months of his jail time left to serve and living with her Nonna, Elizabetta, is never dull! So, if her drop-dead gorgeous boyfriend, Shane, could just propose everything in her world would be wonderful, or it would be if she hadn't just spotted her no-longer deceased husband across a crowded room!
With the unfortunate realisation that she is still married, Mia knows both her family and The Family would be happy to change that! Explaining her desire to be a divorcée rather than a widow seems to calm things a little, but unfortunately, it doesn't prevent her from discovering a dead body and becoming embroiled in a murder investigation once again! With more suspects than she knows what to do with, Mia finds herself in the middle of things not only trying to find a killer but also having to persuade the local police department she had nothing to do with it!
Even if I didn't already love Mia Carina, how could I resist such a brilliant title? The laugh out loud humour is as good as ever, and the whole reading experience is a pleasure from word one. With all the main protagonists present as well as a few visitors from the rest of this excellent series, it's a good idea to read the books in order, which is absolutely no hardship!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. There is a mix of humour, tension, and romance throughout, and I loved it. Recommended.
With the unfortunate realisation that she is still married, Mia knows both her family and The Family would be happy to change that! Explaining her desire to be a divorcée rather than a widow seems to calm things a little, but unfortunately, it doesn't prevent her from discovering a dead body and becoming embroiled in a murder investigation once again! With more suspects than she knows what to do with, Mia finds herself in the middle of things not only trying to find a killer but also having to persuade the local police department she had nothing to do with it!
Even if I didn't already love Mia Carina, how could I resist such a brilliant title? The laugh out loud humour is as good as ever, and the whole reading experience is a pleasure from word one. With all the main protagonists present as well as a few visitors from the rest of this excellent series, it's a good idea to read the books in order, which is absolutely no hardship!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. There is a mix of humour, tension, and romance throughout, and I loved it. Recommended.
April 6, 2024
Dollycas's Thoughts
The Belle View Banquet Manor has become the top party place in Astoria, Queens, thanks to Mia Carina. Nothing would make Mia happier than to have her own wedding there, that is if her boyfriend Shane would propose. After the trainwreck of her first marriage, she never thought she would want to get married again but Shane is definitely the man for her.
Then while promoting Belle View at a wedding expo in Manhattan Mia sees someone she thought she would never see again. A man that everyone had presumed dead. A man who almost ruined her life. Her husband, Adam who was supposed to have died in a boating accident. He disappeared before she could get close to him. Then the next day she saw him again at the Dodger game at Citi Field. This is not good. This can't be happening. If Adam is still alive that means she is still married!
Mia calls a meeting with her family and "The Family". She needs to find Adam now and get a divorce as quickly as possible. Everyone else wants Adam dead. Now that she isn't a widow all she wants is to be a divorcée so she can marry Shane.
Sadly someone didn't get the message. Adam is dead and Mia and Shane top the suspect list. Will they ever get married? or will one of them go down for murder?
_____
I hate to write this, but The Witless Protection Program, is the 5th and final Catering Hall Mystery. It hurts because I am invested in these characters. Mia is a strong determined woman who took on the big job of making the Belle View Banquet Manor legit and she has done an amazing job. She has fallen hard for Shane and he for her. They make a wonderful couple. Elisabetta gives Mia and Shane a very interesting gift and she and Mia's mom Gia have another plan in the works for Mia too. Cammie is acting super responsible which is downright scary but she is still spending Pete's money faster than he can make it. These are just a few of the extraordinary characters Ms. DiRico has created and developed in this series. It will be hard to let them go.
But, she has written a heck of a finale for them. The mystery of Adam's death takes Shane and Mia on a cross-country journey to find out how many enemies he raked up while he was supposed to be dead. There ended up being several suspects and Mia kept working the case, putting forth theories, following the clues, until one detail helped put everything in perspective. I enjoyed that Mia went to Pete with her final theory and her idea to flush out the killer. There was a sensational showdown and our girl Mia, WOW.
The excitement didn't stop there. I highlighted the entire last chapter on my Kindle. It was fantastic! I laughed, then I laughed some more and ended up with a huge smile on my face. No spoilers. Just know, that this is now my favorite book in the series. Ms. DiRico topped herself and ended this series better than anyone could have imagined.
The Witless Protection Program was more than a Perfect Escape, it was A Trip to Paradise! A Best Read of 2024! Thank you, Maria DiRico for taking us on Mia's journey. It was a wonderful ride. I recommend reading this series from the start for maximum enjoyment.
The Belle View Banquet Manor has become the top party place in Astoria, Queens, thanks to Mia Carina. Nothing would make Mia happier than to have her own wedding there, that is if her boyfriend Shane would propose. After the trainwreck of her first marriage, she never thought she would want to get married again but Shane is definitely the man for her.
Then while promoting Belle View at a wedding expo in Manhattan Mia sees someone she thought she would never see again. A man that everyone had presumed dead. A man who almost ruined her life. Her husband, Adam who was supposed to have died in a boating accident. He disappeared before she could get close to him. Then the next day she saw him again at the Dodger game at Citi Field. This is not good. This can't be happening. If Adam is still alive that means she is still married!
Mia calls a meeting with her family and "The Family". She needs to find Adam now and get a divorce as quickly as possible. Everyone else wants Adam dead. Now that she isn't a widow all she wants is to be a divorcée so she can marry Shane.
Sadly someone didn't get the message. Adam is dead and Mia and Shane top the suspect list. Will they ever get married? or will one of them go down for murder?
_____
I hate to write this, but The Witless Protection Program, is the 5th and final Catering Hall Mystery. It hurts because I am invested in these characters. Mia is a strong determined woman who took on the big job of making the Belle View Banquet Manor legit and she has done an amazing job. She has fallen hard for Shane and he for her. They make a wonderful couple. Elisabetta gives Mia and Shane a very interesting gift and she and Mia's mom Gia have another plan in the works for Mia too. Cammie is acting super responsible which is downright scary but she is still spending Pete's money faster than he can make it. These are just a few of the extraordinary characters Ms. DiRico has created and developed in this series. It will be hard to let them go.
But, she has written a heck of a finale for them. The mystery of Adam's death takes Shane and Mia on a cross-country journey to find out how many enemies he raked up while he was supposed to be dead. There ended up being several suspects and Mia kept working the case, putting forth theories, following the clues, until one detail helped put everything in perspective. I enjoyed that Mia went to Pete with her final theory and her idea to flush out the killer. There was a sensational showdown and our girl Mia, WOW.
The excitement didn't stop there. I highlighted the entire last chapter on my Kindle. It was fantastic! I laughed, then I laughed some more and ended up with a huge smile on my face. No spoilers. Just know, that this is now my favorite book in the series. Ms. DiRico topped herself and ended this series better than anyone could have imagined.
The Witless Protection Program was more than a Perfect Escape, it was A Trip to Paradise! A Best Read of 2024! Thank you, Maria DiRico for taking us on Mia's journey. It was a wonderful ride. I recommend reading this series from the start for maximum enjoyment.
November 27, 2023
The Witless Protection program is the fifth book in this delightful cozy mystery series. Mia is busy planning her wedding when Adam, her presumed dead husband, shows up in town and then disappears. Mia needs to quickly find him so she can get a quick divorce before her wedding. When he is murdered and her fiancee Shane is implicated in his murder, Mia is on the case to clear his name. This was a fun, quick paced, lighthearted mystery with enjoyable characters and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book in this
March 26, 2024
I love this series as it pushes the boundaries of what a traditional cozy mystery is; it’s still cozy but I find it edgier as it incorporates the seedier side of Mia’s family and their flirtation with crime. The mysteries are always the focus but there’s plenty of laughs to keep it from getting too serious. I particularly enjoy the over-the-top antics of Cammie and her family to balance Mia’s need to be more respectable and law-abiding. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #kensingtonbooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #kensingtonbooks for an honest review.
March 12, 2024
"The Witless Protection Program” the 5th instalment in the A Catering Hall Mystery series by Maria DiRico. Sleuth Mia Carina has finally steered her Italian-American family’s catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, into becoming the premiere party site of Astoria, Queens. Now if only her presumed dead ex-husband would get out of the way...
I love Mia, her Nonna, Cammie, Shane and the rest of the side characters. I like where things are heading with Mia and Shane’s future too!
The author is one of my favorite as she knows how to keep the reader entertained as well as cate about the main characters and what happens to them.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, I found myself guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I couldn’t put the book down, read it in a day .
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends and I can’t wait for book six!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love Mia, her Nonna, Cammie, Shane and the rest of the side characters. I like where things are heading with Mia and Shane’s future too!
The author is one of my favorite as she knows how to keep the reader entertained as well as cate about the main characters and what happens to them.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, I found myself guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. I couldn’t put the book down, read it in a day .
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends and I can’t wait for book six!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 26, 2024
love 💕 love 💕 this series!! It was my great pleasure to get the opportunity to read this ARC.
Mia and her fiancée Shane are finally ready to walk down the aisle. They have overcome many challenges and finally are ready to make this commitment.
While at a huge wedding expo Mia is shocked at seeing her presumed deceased ‘husband’! This adds a huge complication to Mia’s upcoming nuptials.
Mia has to figure out how to get Adam to agree to a divorce which he is not wanting to do.
Before Mia can convince Adam to agree to a divorce someone takes things into their own hands and makes Mia a ‘widow’!
Mia has to figure out ‘who done it’ before her wedding to Shane is put on ice.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for letting me read this ARC. All options are my own
Mia and her fiancée Shane are finally ready to walk down the aisle. They have overcome many challenges and finally are ready to make this commitment.
While at a huge wedding expo Mia is shocked at seeing her presumed deceased ‘husband’! This adds a huge complication to Mia’s upcoming nuptials.
Mia has to figure out how to get Adam to agree to a divorce which he is not wanting to do.
Before Mia can convince Adam to agree to a divorce someone takes things into their own hands and makes Mia a ‘widow’!
Mia has to figure out ‘who done it’ before her wedding to Shane is put on ice.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for letting me read this ARC. All options are my own
April 10, 2024
4.5 stars. This series has been so much fun!!! Mia and Shane are such a fun couple and now that they are engaged what can possibly go wrong? Only everything!! Including the reappearance of her dead husband. This was full of hijinks,chases,baseball bats, wedding dresses, a few murders of course and most of all a crazy family that’s sticks together no matter what.
April 8, 2024
Pro
* Sitcom-esque characters and storyline
* Familiar setting and characters that are fun to see again
Con
* I miss Jamie in a more focal role
* Trope main storyline
* The two parts of the murder storyline are kind of a stretch to put together
* Final plot element goes too far over the top in places
Thank you to Mario diRico, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
* Sitcom-esque characters and storyline
* Familiar setting and characters that are fun to see again
Con
* I miss Jamie in a more focal role
* Trope main storyline
* The two parts of the murder storyline are kind of a stretch to put together
* Final plot element goes too far over the top in places
Thank you to Mario diRico, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advanced review copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2024
What a great ending to a fun cozy mystery series. Mia is finally going to marry her dream man Shane when she spots her first husband Adam, who was assumed dead after he was lost at sea. I'm definitely going to miss this series. I've read them all and each one was better than the last.
February 20, 2024
I cannot say enough good things about this series! Mia, Cammie, Shane, Pete, and the family, including the Family, all solve the murder of Mia’s presumed dead ex husband who has shown up after two years. Engagements, weddings, babies, retirement….a whirlwind of activity. Thoroughly enjoyed reading!
January 17, 2024
She's done it again. Author DiRico has written a cozy mystery novel that captures your interest until the very end. Well-developed characters make you feel as if you actually know them personally. Great storyline. Can't wait for more books by this author.
April 5, 2024
A good end [] to a really great series that I have loved from book 1. I am really sorry to see all these characters go and will really miss this series as it was always one that I knew would make me smile and give me a really good read [].
Thank you to NetGalley, Maria DiRico, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Maria DiRico, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2024
I’m kind of at a loss for words at the end of this book. Especially since the actual end of this book left me laughing so hard my sides hurt and I sort of can’t catch my breath now. Remembering how much I’ve enjoyed this series previously, I went back and re-read everything. Which made this extravaganza of a story feel even more over the top and perfect by the time I reached it. I adore Mia. I love her family and friends. I also have so much fun watching the hijinks and shenanigans they get involved in, both by accident and on purpose. I was rather glad to see that Mia’s love life had a clear direction forward and one of the specters of her past got dealt with, even if that meant that Mia was involved with yet another murder investigation. And what an investigation that was. At no point was I able to outthink the plot. Even by the time all the big reveals were finished I was still left asking “are you sure?” I have no idea what that closing scene means for the future of the series, but I can’t wait to see what Mia gets up to next.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through NetGalley.
January 8, 2024
Mia had made a good life for herself back in New Jersey after the disappearance and presumed death of her husband in Florida. That is, until she saw him at an event she was attending promoting her event venue. He kept appearing and disappearing until he showed up dead in an alley in Mia's neighborhood.
Mia is, of course, a suspect as well as her fiance, grandmother, father, brother, co-workers.........you know, everyone. Why was he there? Why did he want Mia back after he cheated with all her friends? Why did he claim he was in the Witness Protection Program with a new name?
With lots of twists and turns and major surprises, Mia and friends (including the investigating officer) eventually find the answers and she can FINALLY marry Shane.
I love the progression of Mia's self-confidence from the first book to this one. Adam had made her feel so worthless. And Elisabetta is a joy, so spunky and up for anything!
The staff at Belle View have become family who always have her back.
Loved the many (very good) surprises at the end!
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Mia is, of course, a suspect as well as her fiance, grandmother, father, brother, co-workers.........you know, everyone. Why was he there? Why did he want Mia back after he cheated with all her friends? Why did he claim he was in the Witness Protection Program with a new name?
With lots of twists and turns and major surprises, Mia and friends (including the investigating officer) eventually find the answers and she can FINALLY marry Shane.
I love the progression of Mia's self-confidence from the first book to this one. Adam had made her feel so worthless. And Elisabetta is a joy, so spunky and up for anything!
The staff at Belle View have become family who always have her back.
Loved the many (very good) surprises at the end!
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
February 24, 2024
The Witless Protection Program, the 8th and last book of Maria DiRico's A Catering Hall Mystery series, take this delightful series out with a bang. Mia's late husband suddenly shows up just as her already great relationship with Shane takes a positive twist. Of course, with the way life goes for Mia, not only are she and Shane prime suspects when the jerk is killed, but Ms. DiRico brings in twists and turns that keep the reader guessing and laughing. Nothing is ever easy in Mia Carina's world, but what a fun ride for us!
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for allowing me to read and review and ARC of this wonderful farewell novel. I will miss the gang from Queens, but I know Maria DiRico still has tons of fun planned for us.
#NetNalley, #KensingtonCozies #KensingtonBooks #ACateringHallMystery #MariaDiRico
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for allowing me to read and review and ARC of this wonderful farewell novel. I will miss the gang from Queens, but I know Maria DiRico still has tons of fun planned for us.
#NetNalley, #KensingtonCozies #KensingtonBooks #ACateringHallMystery #MariaDiRico
June 7, 2024
The Witless Protection Program is another outstanding entry in Maria DiRico’s Catering Hall mystery series. This fifth and (unfortunately) final installment is a wickedly madcap wrap-up that neatly and humorously brings the series to a close.
In what she considers a cruel bit of irony, Mia Carina is working a bridal expo on behalf of Belle View Banquet Manor but is bemoaning the fact that her boyfriend Shane has not yet proposed. While there, she catches a glimpse of a man across the room who looks like her presumed-dead husband, Adam Grosso. When she spots the same man again at a Mets game, she calls an emergency meeting of the Baldano (mob) “Family” to find him. Until she can obtain a divorce, marrying Shane is out of the question. Mia’s worst suspicions are confirmed when Adam makes a late-night appearance. Before he disappears again, he claims to have been in the witness protection program living under an assumed name all along and, more importantly, that he has no intention of giving her a divorce. It’s up to Mia, her family, and her "Family” to find him once again and convince him to grant her a divorce.
This novel, in fact the entire series, is a whole lot of fun. This time, however, the mystery is personal. Mia’s future depends on locating (and divorcing) Adam so she can marry Shane. Mia once again proves herself strong, smart, and resourceful, while her family and the expanded crime family that runs Belle View as a legit business prove their loyalty in a most entertaining manner. Her father, Ravello, is a larger-than-life character whose antics in trying to have a healthier lifestyle provide humor and heart. Mia’s Nonna Elisabetta is her usual, quirky self, mystified no end by Ravello’s girlfriend Lin’s Vietnamese cooking. And her brother Posi – one of my favorite characters – has been granted early release from prison and is living at a halfway house. Mia’s story has come full circle, as it was revealed in the first book that Adam was presumed to have died in a boating accident. As his body was never found, I suspected that it wasn’t the last we heard about Adam Grosso. It took four additional books, but eventually here we are – and this story is fantastic.
I was lucky enough to both obtain an ARC of the book and listen to the audio recording. As is typical of this series, the narration was terrific, really drawing you into the story. As an added bonus, the book also contains a series of recipes at the end that sound yummy (especially the gnocchi).
If you’ve read the first four books in the story, you’re in for a treat in The Witless Protection Program. If you haven’t, why not? Hats off to Maria DiRico (Ellen Byron) for creating this bold, often over-the-top, but always humorous, series. It is one of my favorites.
Note: I received an ARC of The Witless Protection Program from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
In what she considers a cruel bit of irony, Mia Carina is working a bridal expo on behalf of Belle View Banquet Manor but is bemoaning the fact that her boyfriend Shane has not yet proposed. While there, she catches a glimpse of a man across the room who looks like her presumed-dead husband, Adam Grosso. When she spots the same man again at a Mets game, she calls an emergency meeting of the Baldano (mob) “Family” to find him. Until she can obtain a divorce, marrying Shane is out of the question. Mia’s worst suspicions are confirmed when Adam makes a late-night appearance. Before he disappears again, he claims to have been in the witness protection program living under an assumed name all along and, more importantly, that he has no intention of giving her a divorce. It’s up to Mia, her family, and her "Family” to find him once again and convince him to grant her a divorce.
This novel, in fact the entire series, is a whole lot of fun. This time, however, the mystery is personal. Mia’s future depends on locating (and divorcing) Adam so she can marry Shane. Mia once again proves herself strong, smart, and resourceful, while her family and the expanded crime family that runs Belle View as a legit business prove their loyalty in a most entertaining manner. Her father, Ravello, is a larger-than-life character whose antics in trying to have a healthier lifestyle provide humor and heart. Mia’s Nonna Elisabetta is her usual, quirky self, mystified no end by Ravello’s girlfriend Lin’s Vietnamese cooking. And her brother Posi – one of my favorite characters – has been granted early release from prison and is living at a halfway house. Mia’s story has come full circle, as it was revealed in the first book that Adam was presumed to have died in a boating accident. As his body was never found, I suspected that it wasn’t the last we heard about Adam Grosso. It took four additional books, but eventually here we are – and this story is fantastic.
I was lucky enough to both obtain an ARC of the book and listen to the audio recording. As is typical of this series, the narration was terrific, really drawing you into the story. As an added bonus, the book also contains a series of recipes at the end that sound yummy (especially the gnocchi).
If you’ve read the first four books in the story, you’re in for a treat in The Witless Protection Program. If you haven’t, why not? Hats off to Maria DiRico (Ellen Byron) for creating this bold, often over-the-top, but always humorous, series. It is one of my favorites.
Note: I received an ARC of The Witless Protection Program from NetGalley and Kensington Books. The above is my honest review.
March 18, 2024
“The Witless Protection Program” is the fifth and sadly the last book in Maria DiRico’s Catering Hall Mystery series. While I am sad to see the series end, I was very happy with the way it ended – a perfect way to tie up the series. This is one of the funniest mysteries that I have ever read – I pretty much laughed from the beginning to the end while reading it. The setting and premise of this series is great – Mia Carina belongs to a well-connected (i.e. mob related) family but she herself is not involved in crime and has worked hard to make the family’s catering hall, Belle View Banquet Manor, a top place to hold functions. When the series started she was struggling to rebuild her life after a disastrous marriage and the disappearance of her husband – this series brings that storyline to a close as well as her relationship with her boyfriend Shane – both storylines are nicely wrapped up. Many of the characters in the book are over the top but that adds to the fun of the book. The main mystery is well done with just the right amount of suspects and there are a couple of other nicely done smaller mysteries within the book. Finally, the very ending of the book is a perfect way to end the series. All in all well done and while I wish the series could continue I couldn’t have asked for a better ending.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
March 25, 2024
I really loved this installment! It was kinda the pulling together of everything and a sorta reunion of some of the past characters Mia had met up with. Something just made me think it’s sounding like it’s the end of the series but I haven’t heard anything official. If it’s the end, everyone went out with a great ending well, maybe not everyone but the key players all seemed happy.
And only Mia Carina could have all this craziness happen before and even at her wedding, lol. Tons of fun, suspense and even more hilarity to be had, so definitely don’t miss out on this book. I totally recommend reading the series from the start to get the complete character experience.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
And only Mia Carina could have all this craziness happen before and even at her wedding, lol. Tons of fun, suspense and even more hilarity to be had, so definitely don’t miss out on this book. I totally recommend reading the series from the start to get the complete character experience.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
February 18, 2024
The title of this book is a sure fire draw. It clearly says READ ME! So I did! and loved Mia and her madcap life. This may be book #5 in the series but it definitely stands alone as an entertaining cozy mystery. Mia's life has always been a little crazy but when she spots her "dead" husband at a conference, the crazy is out of control. What follows is sure to bring giggles and full on belly laughs as she tries to get to the bottom of the mystery.
April 14, 2024
After a couple of, shall we say, less than stellar books, it was a real pleasure to read this one. The only down side is that it was the last in this series-- which is a real shame. It was very funny, story lines had wonderful conclusions, it was over the top in the best way possible, and it was just a lot of fun. Read the others first for maximum enjoyment.
April 22, 2024
What's a girl to do when she thinks her boyfriend will never propose? Event planner, Mia's biggest worry is that she'll spend her days planning the big day for everyone except herself. If only that were the case.
She soon has bigger problems then getting that ring, when she starts catching glimpses of the husband she thought was gone forever. It's just like Adam, the first husband who caused her nothing but trouble, to return from the dead to try to ruin her chance at happiness. Mia would be happy with a divorce, but her large Italian family may be contemplating a more final solution.
Soon, Mia is up to her neck dealing with crazy ex-girlfriends, over-helpful relatives, fanatics that want to turn her house into a museum, and oh yes, a dead body.
It's another fun addition to the Catering Hall Mysteries that will keep you turning the pages and appreciating your own family.
She soon has bigger problems then getting that ring, when she starts catching glimpses of the husband she thought was gone forever. It's just like Adam, the first husband who caused her nothing but trouble, to return from the dead to try to ruin her chance at happiness. Mia would be happy with a divorce, but her large Italian family may be contemplating a more final solution.
Soon, Mia is up to her neck dealing with crazy ex-girlfriends, over-helpful relatives, fanatics that want to turn her house into a museum, and oh yes, a dead body.
It's another fun addition to the Catering Hall Mysteries that will keep you turning the pages and appreciating your own family.
January 20, 2024
I enjoyed this fun, interesting, well told ‘rom com” suspense story. I did not know it is book five in a very
beloved series, but I did not feel like I was lost. The Author did a grand job bringing the cast of characters
and whether they were clearly regular, or added for this story, I loved it
I should mention that there are some amazing recipes at the end of the book. They looked yummy!
The most important thing to know is that everyone is in a good (or better) place than wherever they were
in the last book.
Super fans have an advantage of details and history, but the book was still fun. I recommend it to
everyone, with the caveat that while I rooted for Mia, and loved Shane, I had little history. So, it’s a
toss up =. I will be reading the next book for sure.
My thanks to Kensington Books via NetGalley, for the download copy,of,this book for review purposes.
The book is due out on March 25, 2024
beloved series, but I did not feel like I was lost. The Author did a grand job bringing the cast of characters
and whether they were clearly regular, or added for this story, I loved it
I should mention that there are some amazing recipes at the end of the book. They looked yummy!
The most important thing to know is that everyone is in a good (or better) place than wherever they were
in the last book.
Super fans have an advantage of details and history, but the book was still fun. I recommend it to
everyone, with the caveat that while I rooted for Mia, and loved Shane, I had little history. So, it’s a
toss up =. I will be reading the next book for sure.
My thanks to Kensington Books via NetGalley, for the download copy,of,this book for review purposes.
The book is due out on March 25, 2024
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